The Best Places in Paris to Take Pictures

I am occasionally asked where exactly I took my Paris photographs and I am always happy to share my picks for the best places in Paris to take pictures.

I have to say, these locations are a bit clichéd, but for good reason. They provide a wonderful opportunity to capture fantastic memories of the City of Light, whether via a mobile device, point-and-shoot or a DSLR camera.

See the Paris, France map below for a location overview. I’ve tried to provide some details on cameras, lenses, and tools used for these images, but please comment below if you have any questions about these photos or just to drop a note to let me about your favorite Paris photography spots.

Thanks!

-Darwin

1. The Louvre

When I arrived at the Louvre in the summer of 2014, I was surprised to see this red lightning bolt striking down from the tip of the pyramid to the base. This incandescent bolt of light is a contemporary art exhibit by Claude Lévêque and was on display from April 2, 2014, to January 2, 2015.

2. Arc-de-Triomphe

Although the view from the roof of the Arc-de-Triomphe has its own merits including wonderful vistas of the La Défense district as well as the Champs-Élysées, you are unable to capture the essence of the world’s largest triumphal arch from the top. The juxtaposition of modern vehicles entering from 12 radiating avenues and circulating around this nearly 200-year-old structure is truly a sight worth capturing. Don’t bother taking out your tripod on the roof. Tripods are not allowed, and they are fairly vigilant about policing the rule. Use the underpasses to reach the arch from outside its surrounding roundabout, otherwise, you and your camera may not survive to get that perfect image.

3. Tour Montparnasse

It is said that the view from the top of the Tour Montparnasse is the most beautiful in Paris because it is the only place from which the Tour Montparnasse cannot be seen. The following shots were taken from the Panoramic 56th floor. I strongly recommend a Lens Skirt or your own makeshift device to eliminate reflection off of the windows when photographing from this floor. The terrace on the roof of the building also offers great views, but lightning rods unfortunately interfere with wide angle shots. Tickets to the top can be purchases on the 1st floor for around €15.

7. Sacré-Coeur

I found the inside of the Sacré-Coeur (Sacred Heart) Cathedral to be more beautiful than the Notre Dame Cathedral, but unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside. Views from the cathedral roof are however spectacular given the vantage of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. The upper walkways are generally less crowded than at Notre Dame, providing just a little more arm and leg room to compose that perfect shot.